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Veterinary Medicine Historical Collection

The Veterinary Medicine Historical Collection at MSU is one of the largest and finest collections of its kind in the nation and possibly the world. The collection features some 1,400 manuscripts and books covering the arts and practices of the veterinary profession from as early as the fifteenth century. The holdings focus primarily on early works written or published before 1800 and the collection is especially strong in eighteenth century British imprints. Although a good number of the early works concern care of the horse, the most important domestic animal of this early period, the MSU collection covers other topics as well.

The Catalogue of Rare Veterinary Books and Allied Subjects in Animal Husbandry highlights some of the more unique items in our Veterinary Medicine Collection.

Interested in Learning More?

Contact Andrea Kepsel, Veterinary Medicine Librarian, with questions about the Veterinary Medicine Historical Collection.

Special Collections at the MSU Libraries

Special Collections was established in 1962 to hold, preserve, build, and make accessible rare materials and special collections in the MSU Libraries. Today, Special Collections holds over 450,000 printed works, numerous manuscript and archival collections, and an extensive collection of ephemera supporting research in popular culture, radicalism, comic art, and gender. Notable rare book collections include early veterinary medicine, eighteenth century British history and culture, modern American literature, cookery, and natural history.

Visit Special Collections in the MSU Main Library to view the unique items in our Veterinary Medicine Historical Collection.

Contact Information:

Andrea Kepsel
Health Sciences Educational Technology Librarian
Liasion to the College of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Animal Science
(517) 884-0898
akepsel@msu.edu